Control method of a water purifier, water purifier, and storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses a control method of a water purifying machine, the water purifying machine and a storage medium. The water purifying machine comprises a water purifying tank, a hot tank and a heating piece. The heating piece is used for heating the hot tank. The water purifying machine has a sterilization mode. The control method comprises the following steps: receiving a sterilization instruction; controlling the water purifying machine to enter the sterilization mode; stopping water output of the water purifying machine in the sterilization mode; and controlling a first circulation loop to be formed between the water purifying tank and the hot tank to discharge hot water in the hot tank to the water purifying tank. The control method of the water purifying machine can control the hot water in the hot tank to flow in the water purifying machine in a circulating manner, so that the internal structure of the water purifying machine is sterilized and cleaned at a high temperature, and the safety of the water purifying machine is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water treatment technology, and in particular to a control method for a water purifier, the water purifier itself, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] With economic development, many areas have experienced a deterioration in water resources, with water shortages and pollution becoming increasingly serious, highlighting the issue of drinking water safety for urban residents. In response to the problem of secondary pollution of urban tap water, which may result in the presence of harmful substances, an increasing number of water purifiers are entering households.

[0003] With the use of water purifiers, bacteria may grow inside, which may affect the user's health. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a control method for a water purifier, which can control the circulation of hot water in the heating tank within the water purifier to perform high-temperature sterilization and cleaning of the internal structure, thereby improving the safety of the water purifier.

[0005] This application also proposes a water purifier that applies the above-described control method.

[0006] This application also proposes a storage medium.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control method for a water purifier includes a purified water tank, a heating tank, and a heating element. The heating element is used to heat the heating tank. The water purifier has a sterilization mode. The control method includes: receiving a sterilization command; controlling the water purifier to enter the sterilization mode; controlling the water purifier to stop discharging water in the sterilization mode; and controlling the formation of a first circulation loop between the purified water tank and the heating tank to discharge hot water in the heating tank to the purified water tank.

[0008] According to the control method of the water purifier according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the water purifier is in sterilization mode, the hot water in the heating tank is discharged to the purified water tank and circulates in the first circulation loop. The high temperature of the hot water sterilizes the purified water tank, the pipe between the heating tank and the purified water tank and the components connected in series in the pipe, thereby reducing bacteria in the water purifier and improving the safety of the water purifier.

[0009] In some embodiments, the water purifier includes a water outlet component, the purified water tank is connected to the first water inlet of the hot water tank via a first pipeline, the first water return port of the purified water tank is connected to the water outlet component via a circulation cleaning pipe, and the hot water tank is connected to the water outlet component via a first water outlet pipe; the control method includes controlling the first pipeline, the first water outlet pipe and the circulation cleaning pipe to connect to define the first circulation loop.

[0010] In some embodiments, the water tank is connected to the water outlet component via a second water outlet pipe, and the control method further includes: after controlling the first circulation loop to run for a first set time, controlling the water purifier to switch to a second circulation loop, wherein the second circulation loop is a connection between the second water outlet pipe and the circulation cleaning pipe.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first water outlet pipe is connected in series with a first control valve, and the second water outlet pipe is connected in series with a second control valve. Controlling the water purifier to switch to the second circulation loop includes: controlling the first control valve to close and the second control valve to open.

[0012] In some embodiments, during the operation of the first circulation loop of the water purifier, the control method further includes: detecting the water temperature of the hot water tank; and controlling the operating state of the heating element to control the water temperature of the hot water tank to be not lower than a first set temperature.

[0013] In some embodiments, the control method further includes: determining the sterilization duration of the water purifier entering the sterilization mode; determining that the sterilization duration has reached a second preset duration, and controlling the water purifier to exit the sterilization mode.

[0014] In some embodiments, the control method further includes: after controlling the water purifier to exit the sterilization mode, controlling the water purifier to dispense water and the heating element to stop working.

[0015] In some embodiments, the water purifier further includes a cold tank and a refrigeration component, the refrigeration component being used to refrigerate the cold tank, the water inlet of the cold tank being connected to the purified water tank, and the control method further includes: controlling the water purifier to enter the sterilization mode, and then controlling the cold tank to sterilize.

[0016] In some embodiments, controlling the sterilization of the cold tank includes: controlling the first circulation loop to run for a third set time, and then controlling the water purifier to switch to a third circulation loop, wherein the third circulation loop is a circulation loop formed between the water purifier tank and the cold tank.

[0017] In some embodiments, the water purifier includes a water outlet component, the purified water tank is connected to the second water inlet of the cold tank via a second pipeline, the first water return port of the purified water tank is connected to the water outlet component via a circulation cleaning pipe, and the cold tank is connected to the water outlet component via a third water outlet pipe; the control method includes controlling the second pipeline, the third water outlet pipe and the circulation cleaning pipe to connect to define the third circulation loop.

[0018] A water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a control module, which is configured to execute the control method described in the above technical solution.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a storage medium thereon stores a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the control method described in the above technical solution.

[0020] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water circuit of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first circulation loop of the water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the second circulation loop of the water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the third circulation loop of the water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Reference numerals: 100, water purifier; 1, filter module; 2, purified water tank; 21, first pipeline; 22, circulating cleaning pipeline; 23, second outlet pipeline; 24, second pipeline; 25, second control valve; 3, hot water tank; 31, first outlet pipeline; 32, first control valve; 4, cold water tank; 41, third outlet pipeline; 42, third control valve; 5, water outlet component; 6, refrigeration assembly; 61, compressor; 62, condenser; 63, throttling element; 64, evaporator; 7, first delivery pump; 8, circulating flow channel; 9, second circulating pump. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0028] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] The following is for reference. Figure 1-4 A control method for a water purifier 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0031] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to the control method of the water purifier 100 of the present invention, the water purifier 100 includes: a filtration module 1, a purified water tank 2, a heating tank 3, and a heating element. The filtration module 1 can filter raw water into purified water that can be directly consumed by the user. The raw water can be tap water, lake water, well water, or spring water, which may contain impurities. The purified water tank 2 is connected to the filtration module 1 and is used to receive and store purified water from the filtration module 1. The heating tank 3 is connected to the purified water tank 2 and is used to store purified water from the purified water tank 2. The heating element is used to heat the heating tank 3 to produce hot water. That is, both the purified water tank 2 and the heating tank 3 are used to store purified water, but the difference is that the heating tank 3 can heat the purified water through the heating element.

[0032] The water purifier 100 has a regular usage mode and a sterilization mode. In the regular usage mode, users can obtain directly drinkable purified water from the water purifier 100. To easily distinguish between the purified water in the water purification tank 2 and the purified water in the hot water tank 3, the purified water in the water purification tank 2 is referred to as warm water, and the purified water in the hot water tank 3 is referred to as hot water. In other words, users can obtain either warm or hot water from the water purifier 100.

[0033] In sterilization mode, the water purifier 100 sterilizes at least part of its internal structure to ensure the safety of the water purifier 100.

[0034] The control method of the water purifier 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: receiving a sterilization command, wherein the sterilization command can be a sterilization command manually issued by the user, for example, a sterilization command issued by the user triggering the sterilization button on the operation panel, or a sterilization command issued by the user pressing and holding a button on the operation panel, or a sterilization command issued by the user simultaneously triggering two buttons; the sterilization command can also be a sterilization command automatically issued by the control module after the water purifier 100 has been running for a specific time; or the sterilization command can be a sterilization command automatically issued by the control module according to a time set by the user.

[0035] After receiving the sterilization command, the water purifier 100 is controlled to enter the sterilization mode. In the sterilization mode, the water purifier 100 is controlled to stop discharging water (i.e., turn off the normal use mode), and the first circulation loop is formed between the water purification tank 2 and the hot water tank 3, so that the hot water in the hot water tank 3 is discharged to the water purification tank 2.

[0036] According to the control method of the water purifier 100 of the present invention, when the water purifier 100 is in sterilization mode, the hot water in the heating tank 3 is discharged to the purified water tank 2 and circulates in the first circulation loop. The hot water sterilizes the purified water tank 2, the pipes between the heating tank 3 and the purified water tank 2, and the components connected in series in the pipes at high temperature, thereby reducing bacteria in the water purifier 100 and improving the safety of the water purifier 100. Furthermore, the water purifier 100 is stopped from dispensing water during sterilization mode. This is to prevent changes in the water flow direction from affecting the circulation of hot water, and because the hot water used for sterilization may contain dissolved foreign matter or bacteria, stopping the water purifier 100 from dispensing water during sterilization mode prevents users from accidentally drinking wastewater containing dissolved foreign matter or bacteria, thus ensuring the user's health.

[0037] In some specific embodiments, the water purifier 100 includes a first delivery pump 7, which is connected to the purified water tank 2 and the hot water tank 3 respectively. The first delivery pump 7 can deliver purified water from the purified water tank 2 to the hot water tank 3.

[0038] In sterilization mode, a first circulation loop is formed between the purified water tank 2 and the hot water tank 3. The first delivery pump 7 works to deliver the purified water from the purified water tank 2 to the hot water tank 3 and push the hot water in the hot water tank 3 to the purified water tank 2. That is, in sterilization mode, the first delivery pump 7 provides power for the circulation of purified water.

[0039] In some embodiments, the water purifier 100 includes a water outlet component 5, which is provided with a water outlet. The hot water tank 3 is connected to the water outlet component 5 through a first water outlet pipe 31. In normal use mode, when the user needs hot water, the hot water in the hot water tank 3 is controlled to flow through the first water outlet pipe 31 to the water outlet component 5 and be released through the water outlet.

[0040] The purified water tank 2 is connected to the first inlet of the hot water tank 3 via the first pipe 21, and the first return water outlet of the purified water tank 2 is connected to the outlet component 5 via the circulating cleaning pipe 22. The control method also includes controlling the connection of the first pipe 21, the first outlet pipe 31 and the circulating cleaning pipe 22 to define the first circulation loop.

[0041] The above technical solution enables hot water to sterilize the first pipe 21, the first outlet pipe 31, the circulating cleaning pipe 22, and the components connected in series with the above pipes at high temperature, thereby improving the safety of the water purifier 100.

[0042] In some specific embodiments, the water outlet component 5 has a first state and a second state. In the first state, the circulation cleaning pipe 22 is disconnected and the water outlet is opened, so that the water purifier 100 can dispense water. In the second state, the circulation cleaning pipe 22 is connected and the water outlet is closed, so that the water purifier 100 can run the first circulation loop.

[0043] In some specific embodiments, the first delivery pump 7 is connected to the first pipeline 21. In the sterilization mode, the first delivery pump 7 can drive hot water to circulate between the first pipeline 21, the first outlet pipe 31 and the circulating cleaning pipe 22. In the normal use mode, the first delivery pump 7 can drive the hot water in the hot tank 3 to flow through the first outlet pipe 31 to the outlet component 5 for release.

[0044] In some embodiments, during the operation of the first circulation loop of the water purifier 100, the control method further includes: detecting the water temperature of the hot tank 3; controlling the operating state of the heating element to control the water temperature of the hot tank 3 to be not lower than a first set temperature, wherein the first set temperature range is 70°C-90°C, and in some specific embodiments, the first set temperature is 80°C.

[0045] When the water purifier 100 first starts running the first circulation loop, the hot water in the hot tank 3 mixes with the warm water in the purified water tank 2. The temperature of the mixed purified water is low and may not be sufficient for high-temperature sterilization. Therefore, during the operation of the first circulation loop of the water purifier 100, the heating element heats the hot tank 3 to continuously increase the temperature of the purified water in the first circulation loop, so that the temperature of the purified water is not lower than the first set temperature to sterilize the pipes and components in the first circulation loop at high temperature.

[0046] In some specific embodiments, the heating element is controlled to start intermittently, that is, the heating element is turned off after heating for a period of time, and then turned on again after being turned off for a period of time, so that the water temperature in the hot tank 3 is not lower than the first set temperature, while avoiding the purified water temperature from being too high, thus ensuring the safety of the water purifier 100.

[0047] In some embodiments, the control method further includes: determining the sterilization duration of the water purifier 100 entering the sterilization mode; and controlling the water purifier 100 to exit the sterilization mode after determining that the sterilization duration has reached a second preset duration t2. The range of the second preset duration t2 is 60 min to 120 min.

[0048] The above technical solution limits the sterilization time of the sterilization mode, avoiding accidents caused by prolonged operation of the sterilization mode and ensuring the safety of the water purifier. In some specific embodiments, the second set time is 90 minutes.

[0049] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the water purification tank 2 is connected to the water outlet component 5 via a second water outlet pipe 23. In normal use mode, when the user needs warm water, the warm water in the water purification tank 2 is controlled to flow through the second water outlet pipe 23 to the water outlet component 5 and is released through the drain outlet.

[0050] The control method also includes: after the first circulation loop runs for a first set time t1, the water purifier 100 is switched to the second circulation loop, which is a loop formed by connecting the second water outlet pipe 23 and the circulation cleaning pipe 22.

[0051] After the water purifier 100 has been running the first circulation loop for a period of time, the purified water in the purified water tank 2 will also be hot water. At this time, the water purifier 100 will be switched to the second circulation loop so that the hot water in the purified water tank 2 can enter the second water outlet pipe 23 to sterilize the second water outlet pipe 23.

[0052] Through the above technical solution, the hot water in the water purifier 100 is effectively utilized, so that the hot water can not only sterilize the water tank 2, the first pipe 21, the hot tank 3, and the first water outlet pipe 31, but also sterilize the second water outlet pipe 23, ensuring the safety of the second water outlet pipe 23 and further improving the safety of the water purifier 100.

[0053] In some embodiments, the water outlet component 5 is provided with a drain outlet, and both the first water outlet pipe 31 and the second water outlet pipe 23 are connected to this drain outlet. When the first water outlet pipe 31 is open and the second water outlet pipe 23 is closed, hot water in the hot water tank 3 can be discharged from the drain outlet. When the second water outlet pipe 23 is open and the first water outlet pipe 31 is closed, warm water in the purified water tank 2 can be discharged from the drain outlet. When both the first water outlet pipe 31 and the second water outlet pipe 23 are open, the warm water in the purified water tank 2 and the hot water in the hot water tank 3 can be discharged from the drain outlet simultaneously to obtain purified water with a temperature higher than the warm water in the purified water tank 2 and lower than the hot water in the hot water tank 3. In some other embodiments, the water outlet component 5 is provided with multiple drain outlets, and the first water outlet pipe 31 and the second water outlet pipe 23 are respectively connected to multiple drain outlets so that the discharge of warm water in the purified water tank 2 and hot water in the hot water tank 3 does not interfere with each other.

[0054] In some specific embodiments, a first control valve 32 is connected in series with the first water outlet pipe 31, and a second control valve 25 is connected in series with the second water outlet pipe 23. Controlling the water purifier 100 to switch to the second circulation loop includes: controlling the first control valve 32 to close and the second control valve 25 to open.

[0055] When the water purifier 100 operates the first circulation loop, the first control valve 32 opens and the second control valve 25 closes, thus connecting the first circulation loop. Hot water circulates between the first pipe 21, the first outlet pipe 31, and the circulating cleaning pipe 22. When the water purifier 100 operates the second circulation loop, the first control valve 32 closes and the second control valve 25 opens, thus connecting the second circulation loop. Hot water circulates between the second outlet pipe 23 and the circulating cleaning pipe 22.

[0056] In some further embodiments, the control method also includes: controlling the water purifier 100 to switch to the second circulation loop by first controlling the first delivery pump 7 to stop working, then controlling the first control valve 32 to close, then controlling the second control valve 25 to open, and finally controlling the first delivery pump 7 to work.

[0057] The above technical solution reduces the risk of water pressure imbalance in the pipeline of the water purifier 100, thus ensuring the safety of the water purifier 100.

[0058] In some embodiments, the control method further includes controlling the water purifier 100 to switch back and forth between a first circulation loop and a second circulation loop.

[0059] Because the water temperature in the second circulation loop continuously decreases when the water purifier 100 is running, the sterilization effect gradually decreases. The control method of this application embodiment controls the water purifier 100 to switch back and forth between the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop, so that the temperature of the purified water in the second circulation loop is kept at a higher temperature to ensure the sterilization effect of the second circulation loop.

[0060] In some specific embodiments, controlling the water purifier 100 to switch back and forth between the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop includes: controlling the first circulation loop to run for a first set time t1, then controlling the water purifier 100 to switch to the second circulation loop; controlling the second circulation loop to run for a fourth set time t4, then controlling the water purifier 100 to switch back to the first circulation loop; and controlling the water purifier 100 to exit the sterilization mode after the total duration of the sterilization mode reaches the second set time 2t.

[0061] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the water purifier 100 also includes a cold tank 4, whose inlet is connected to the purified water tank 2. The cold tank 4 is connected to the purified water tank 2 to receive and store purified water from the purified water tank 2. The cold tank 4 is equipped with a refrigeration component 6, which is used to refrigerate the cold tank 4 to turn the purified water in the cold tank 4 into cold water. That is to say, the purified water tank 2, the hot tank 3, and the cold tank 4 are all used to store purified water. The difference is that, in the normal use mode, the purified water in the purified water tank 2 is warm water, the purified water in the hot tank 3 is hot water, and the purified water in the cold tank 4 is cold water.

[0062] The control method also includes: controlling the water purifier 100 to enter the sterilization mode, and then controlling the cold tank 4 to sterilize.

[0063] In other words, after the control method of this application controls the water purifier 100 to enter the sterilization mode, it can sterilize not only the water purifier 100 through the hot water in the hot tank 3, but also the cold tank 4, further improving the safety of the water purifier 100. It should be noted that the sterilization of the cold tank 4 can be controlled by UV sterilization and / or ozone sterilization. UV sterilization (i.e., ultraviolet sterilization) mainly sterilizes and disinfects microorganisms through radiation damage; ozone sterilization sterilizes and disinfects microorganisms through biochemical oxidation reactions that disrupt their natural ecosystem.

[0064] It should also be noted that, in sterilization mode, the hot water sterilization of the water purifier 100 and the UV and / or ozone sterilization of the cold tank 4 can be carried out simultaneously or sequentially.

[0065] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, controlling the sterilization of the cold tank 4 includes: controlling the first circulation loop to run for a third set time, and then controlling the water purifier 100 to switch to the third circulation loop, which is the circulation loop formed between the water purifier tank 2 and the cold tank 4.

[0066] After the water purifier 100 runs the first circulation loop for a period of time, the purified water in the purified water tank 2 will also be hot water. At this time, by switching the water purifier 100 to the third circulation loop, the hot water in the purified water tank 2 can enter the cold tank 4 to sterilize the cold tank 4.

[0067] Through the above technical solution, the hot water in the water purifier 100 is effectively utilized, so that the hot water can not only sterilize the water tank 2, but also sterilize the cold tank 4, ensuring the safety of the cold tank 4 and further improving the safety of the water purifier 100.

[0068] In some embodiments, the water purifier 100 includes a water outlet component 5, a purified water tank 2 connected to the second inlet of a cold water tank 4 via a second pipe 24, a first return water outlet of the purified water tank 2 connected to the water outlet component 5 via a circulation cleaning pipe 22, and a cold water tank 4 connected to the water outlet component 5 via a third water outlet pipe 41. The control method includes controlling the second pipe 24, the third water outlet pipe 41, and the circulation cleaning pipe 22 to connect and define a third circulation loop.

[0069] The above technical solution enables hot water to sterilize the second pipe 24, the third outlet pipe 41, the circulating cleaning pipe 22, and the components connected in series with the above pipes at high temperature, thereby improving the safety of the water purifier 100.

[0070] In some embodiments, the water outlet component 5 is provided with a drain outlet, and both the first water outlet pipe 31 and the third water outlet pipe 41 are connected to this drain outlet. When the first water outlet pipe 31 is open and the third water outlet pipe 41 is closed, hot water in the hot tank 3 can be discharged from the drain outlet. When the third water outlet pipe 41 is open and the first water outlet pipe 31 is closed, cold water in the cold tank 4 can be discharged from the drain outlet. In some other embodiments, the water outlet component 5 is provided with multiple drain outlets, and the first water outlet pipe 31 and the third water outlet pipe 41 are respectively connected to multiple drain outlets, so that the discharge of cold water in the cold tank 4 and hot water in the hot tank 3 do not interfere with each other.

[0071] In some embodiments, the control method further includes controlling the water purifier 100 to switch back and forth between the first circulation loop and the third circulation loop.

[0072] Because the water temperature in the third circulation loop continuously decreases when the water purifier 100 is running, the sterilization effect gradually decreases. The control method of this application embodiment controls the water purifier 100 to switch back and forth between the first circulation loop and the third circulation loop, so that the temperature of the purified water in the third circulation loop is kept at a higher temperature to ensure the sterilization effect of the third circulation loop.

[0073] In some specific embodiments, controlling the water purifier 100 to switch back and forth between the first circulation loop and the third circulation loop includes: controlling the first circulation loop to run for a first set time t1, then controlling the water purifier 100 to switch to the third circulation loop; controlling the third circulation loop to run for a fifth set time t5, then controlling the water purifier 100 to switch back to the first circulation loop; and controlling the water purifier 100 to exit the sterilization mode after the total duration of the sterilization mode reaches a second set time t2.

[0074] In some embodiments, the first water outlet pipe 31 is connected in series with the first control valve 32, and the third water outlet pipe 41 is connected in series with the third control valve 42. Controlling the water purifier 100 to switch to the third circulation loop includes: controlling the first control valve 32 to close and the third control valve 42 to open.

[0075] When the water purifier 100 operates the first circulation loop, the first control valve 32 opens and the third control valve 42 closes, thus connecting the first circulation loop. Hot water circulates between the first pipe 21, the first outlet pipe 31, and the circulating cleaning pipe 22. When the water purifier 100 operates the third circulation loop, the first control valve 32 closes and the third control valve 42 opens, thus connecting the second circulation loop. Hot water circulates between the second pipe 24, the third outlet pipe 41, and the circulating cleaning pipe 22.

[0076] In some further embodiments, the control method also includes: controlling the water purifier 100 to switch to the third circulation loop by: first controlling the first delivery pump 7 to stop working, then controlling the first control valve 32 to close, then controlling the third control valve 42 to open, and finally controlling the first delivery pump 7 to work.

[0077] The above technical solution reduces the risk of water pressure imbalance in the pipeline of the water purifier 100, thus ensuring the safety of the water purifier 100.

[0078] In some embodiments, the refrigeration assembly 6 includes a compressor 61, a condenser 62, a throttling element 63, and an evaporator 64 that form a refrigerant circuit. The evaporator 64 is disposed on the cold tank 4 to exchange heat with the cold tank 4 for the refrigerated water.

[0079] Under normal circumstances, because the evaporator 64 only surrounds a portion of the cold tank 4, temperature stratification occurs in the cold water within the cold tank 4. To improve this problem, in some embodiments, the water purifier 100 further includes a circulation channel 8 and a second circulation pump 9. The two ends of the circulation channel 8 are connected to the cold tank 4 to form a mixed-cooling circulation loop, and the second circulation pump 9 is connected in series in the mixed-cooling circulation loop to provide circulation power. The second circulation pump 9 can drive the cold water in the cold tank 4 to circulate between the cold tank 4 and the circulation channel 8 to achieve mixed-cooling circulation of the cold water, resulting in a more uniform temperature of the cold water in the cold tank 4, thus achieving better cooling effect and greater cooling capacity.

[0080] In some embodiments, the third control valve 42 is configured as a switching valve, that is, the switching valve controls whether the third outlet pipe 41 is open. The switching valve is connected to the circulation channel 8 and the third outlet pipe 41 respectively. The switching valve has a first state and a second state. When the switching valve is in the first state, the mixing and cooling circulation loop is open and the third outlet pipe 41 is closed, so that in the normal use mode and when no cold water is discharged, the second circulation pump 9 can drive the cold water in the cold tank 4 to circulate, so as to ensure the temperature of the cold water in the cold tank 4 is uniform. When the switching valve is in the second state, the mixing and cooling circulation loop is closed and the third outlet pipe 41 is open, the cold water in the cold tank 4 stops mixing and cooling circulation and is discharged through the third outlet pipe 41.

[0081] In some specific embodiments, the switching valve is constructed as a three-way valve with a first port, a second port, and a third port. Both the second circulation pump 9 and the switching valve are mounted on the third outlet pipe 41, with the switching valve located between the second circulation pump 9 and the outlet component 5. The second circulation pump 9 is connected to both the cold tank 4 and the first port of the switching valve. The second port of the switching valve is connected to the cold tank 4 via a pipe, and the third port of the switching valve is connected to the outlet component 5. In this embodiment, the pipes between the first port of the switching valve and the cold tank 4, as well as the pipes between the second port and the cold tank 4, together define the circulation channel 8; that is, the pipe between the first port of the switching valve and the cold tank 4 is a shared pipe between the circulation channel 8 and the third outlet pipe 41.

[0082] When the switching valve is in the first state, the first port is connected to the second port, so that the mixed cooling circulation loop is open and the third outlet pipe 41 is closed; when the switching valve is in the second state, the first port is connected to the third port, so that the mixed cooling circulation loop is closed and the third outlet pipe 41 is open.

[0083] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the water purifier 100 includes: a filter module 1, a purified water tank 2, a hot water tank 3, a cold water tank 4, and a water outlet component 5. The filter module 1 can filter raw water into purified water that can be directly consumed by the user. The purified water tank 2 is connected to the filter module 1 and is used to receive and store the purified water from the filter module 1. The hot water tank 3 is connected to the purified water tank 2 to store the purified water from the purified water tank 2, and the cold water tank 4 is also connected to the purified water tank 2 to store the purified water from the purified water tank 2.

[0084] The hot water tank 3 is equipped with a heating element to heat the water in the hot water tank 3 to produce hot water. The cold water tank 4 is equipped with a cooling component 6 to cool the water in the cold water tank 4 to produce cold water. The clean water tank 2, hot water tank 3, and cold water tank 4 are all connected to the water outlet component 5. In normal use, the clean water tank 2, hot water tank 3, and cold water tank 4 can discharge warm water, hot water, and cold water respectively through the water outlet component 5.

[0085] The clean water tank 2 is connected to the first inlet of the hot water tank 3 through the first pipe 21. The first return water outlet of the clean water tank 2 is connected to the water outlet component 5 through the circulating cleaning pipe 22. The hot water tank 3 is connected to the water outlet component 5 through the first water outlet pipe 31, so that the first pipe 21, the first water outlet pipe 31 and the circulating cleaning pipe 22 can form a first circulation loop.

[0086] The water tank 2 is connected to the water outlet component 5 through the second water outlet pipe 23, so that a second circulation loop can be formed between the second water outlet pipe 23 and the circulation cleaning pipe 22.

[0087] The clean water tank 2 is connected to the second inlet of the cold tank 4 through the second pipe 24. The first return water outlet of the clean water tank 2 is connected to the outlet component 5 through the circulating cleaning pipe 22. The cold tank 4 is connected to the outlet component 5 through the third outlet pipe 41, so that a third circulation loop can be formed between the second pipe 24, the third outlet pipe 41 and the circulating cleaning pipe 22.

[0088] Control methods include: receiving sterilization commands;

[0089] The water purifier 100 is controlled to enter the sterilization mode. In the sterilization mode, the water purifier 100 is controlled to stop discharging water (i.e., the normal use mode is turned off). The first circulation loop is formed between the water purifier tank 2 and the hot water tank 3, so that the hot water in the hot water tank 3 is discharged to the water purifier tank 2.

[0090] After the first cycle loop runs for a first set time t1, the water purifier 100 is switched to the second cycle loop.

[0091] After the second circulation loop runs for the fourth set time t4, the water purifier 100 is switched to the third circulation loop.

[0092] Through the above technical solution, the hot water in the hot tank 3 can sterilize the first pipe 21, the first water outlet pipe 31, the circulating cleaning pipe 22, the second water outlet pipe 23, the second pipe 24, the third water outlet pipe 41, and the components connected in series with the above pipes. This fully utilizes the hot water resources of the water purifier 100 to sterilize the internal structure of the water purifier 100, effectively improving the safety of the water purifier 100.

[0093] In some specific embodiments, a first control valve 32 is connected in series with the first water outlet pipe 31, a second control valve 25 is connected in series with the second water outlet pipe 23, and a third control valve 42 is connected in series with the third water outlet pipe 41. In normal operating mode, the water outlet component 5 is in the first state, the circulating cleaning pipe 22 is disconnected, and the drain outlet is open. When the first control valve 32 is open, hot water in the hot tank 3 can flow through the first water outlet pipe 31 to the water outlet component 5 and be discharged; when the second control valve 25 is open, warm water in the clean water tank 2 can flow through the second water outlet pipe 23 to the water outlet component 5 and be discharged; when the third control valve 42 is open, cold water in the cold tank 4 can flow through the third water outlet pipe 41 to the water outlet component 5 and be discharged.

[0094] In sterilization mode, the water outlet component 5 is in the second state, the circulating cleaning pipe 22 is open, and the drain outlet is closed. When the first control valve 32 is open and the second control valve 25 and the third control valve 42 are closed, the first circulation loop is open; when the second control valve 25 is open and the first control valve 32 and the third control valve 42 are closed, the second circulation loop is open; when the third control valve 42 is open and the first control valve 32 and the second control valve 25 are closed, the third circulation loop is open.

[0095] The control method also includes: when the water purifier 100 switches from the first circulation loop to the second circulation loop, controlling the first control valve 32 to close and controlling the second control valve 25 to open; when the water purifier 100 switches from the second circulation loop to the third circulation loop, controlling the second control valve 25 to close and controlling the third control valve 42 to open.

[0096] In some embodiments, the inlet of the first delivery pump 7 is connected to the clean water tank 2, and the outlet of the first delivery pump 7 is connected to the second outlet pipe 23, the first pipeline 21, and the second pipeline 24, respectively.

[0097] In normal operating mode, the first delivery pump 7 provides power for dispensing warm water, hot water, and cold water, respectively. In sterilization mode, the first delivery pump 7 provides power for the water circulation in the first, second, and third circulation loops, respectively. By improving the usability of the first delivery pump 7, the cost of the water purifier 100 is reduced.

[0098] In some specific embodiments, controlling the water purifier 100 to switch from the first circulation loop to the second circulation loop includes: first controlling the first delivery pump 7 to stop working, then controlling the first control valve 32 to close, then controlling the second control valve 25 to open, and then controlling the first delivery pump 7 to work; controlling the water purifier 100 to switch from the second circulation loop to the third circulation loop includes: first controlling the first delivery pump 7 to stop working, then controlling the second control valve 25 to close, then controlling the third control valve 42 to open, and then controlling the first delivery pump 7 to work.

[0099] The above technical solution reduces the risk of water pressure imbalance in the pipeline of the water purifier 100, thus ensuring the safety of the water purifier 100.

[0100] In some embodiments, the control method further includes controlling the water purifier 100 to cycle between a first circulation loop, a second circulation loop, and a third circulation loop.

[0101] Because in the initial stage of the sterilization mode, when the water purifier 100 is running the second circulation loop, the water temperature in the second circulation loop continuously decreases, resulting in a low temperature of hot water entering the cold tank 4 when running the third circulation loop, which is insufficient for sterilization. The control method of this application embodiment allows the first, second, and third circulation loops to be switched cyclically, so that the water temperature in the third circulation loop can continuously rise to a level sufficient for sterilization.

[0102] In some specific embodiments, controlling the water purifier 100 to cycle between the first circulation loop, the second circulation loop, and the third circulation loop includes: controlling the first circulation loop to run for a first set time t1, then controlling the water purifier 100 to switch to the second circulation loop; controlling the second circulation loop to run for a fourth set time t4, then controlling the water purifier 100 to switch to the third circulation loop; and controlling the third circulation loop to run for a fifth set time t5, then controlling the water purifier 100 to switch back to the first circulation loop.

[0103] In some further embodiments, the control method further includes:

[0104] Once the temperature inside the cold tank 4 reaches the second set temperature, the water purifier 100 is controlled to exit the sterilization mode. The second set temperature range is 70℃-90℃. In some specific implementations, the second set temperature is 70℃.

[0105] Because the water temperature in the purified water tank 2 gradually decreases during the sequential operation of the first, second, and third circulation loops, the temperature of the hot water entering the cold tank 4 is the lowest among the three loops. Furthermore, due to the cyclical switching between the first, second, and third circulation loops, the temperature of the hot water in the third circulation loop gradually increases. When the temperature inside the cold tank 4 reaches the second set temperature, it indicates that the hot water in both the first and second circulation loops has reached a sterilization temperature. Therefore, by determining whether the temperature inside the cold tank 4 has reached the second set temperature, it can be determined whether to exit the sterilization mode.

[0106] In some further embodiments, the control method further includes: after the total duration of the sterilization mode reaches a second set duration t2, controlling the water purifier 100 to exit the sterilization mode.

[0107] The above technical solution avoids the risk of the temperature detection device inside the cold tank 4 malfunctioning, causing the sterilization mode to continue running, thus ensuring the safety of the water purifier 100.

[0108] In some embodiments, the control method further includes: after controlling the water purifier 100 to exit the sterilization mode, controlling the water purifier 100 to dispense water and the heating element to stop working.

[0109] Through the above technical solution, after the water purifier 100 exits the sterilization mode, it discharges the wastewater that has undergone circulating sterilization to prevent users from accidentally drinking it. At the same time, the heating element stops working to prevent the heating element from dry burning after the water in the hot tank 3 is drained, thus ensuring the safety of the water purifier 100.

[0110] In some specific embodiments, the water purifier 100 discharges wastewater through a drain outlet. After the water purifier 100 exits the sterilization mode, its control panel flashes to prompt the user to drain the water. The user then activates the one-button drain function, controlling the water outlet component 5 to be in the first state, and the wastewater in the purified water tank 2, hot water tank 3, and cold water tank 4 is directly discharged through the drain outlet. In some other embodiments, the purified water tank 2, hot water tank 3, and cold water tank 4 are all connected to drain pipes. After the water purifier 100 exits the sterilization mode, it controls all three tanks to be connected to the drain pipes, and the wastewater in them is discharged through the drain pipes.

[0111] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some specific embodiments, the water purifier 100 includes: a filter module 1, a purified water tank 2, a hot water tank 3, a cold water tank 4, and a water outlet component 5. The hot water tank 3 is equipped with a heating element, and the cold water tank 4 is equipped with a cooling component 6. The purified water tank 2, the hot water tank 3, and the cold water tank 4 are all connected to the water outlet component 5. In normal use mode, the purified water tank 2, the hot water tank 3, and the cold water tank 4 can discharge warm water, hot water, and cold water respectively through the water outlet component 5.

[0112] The outlet of the water tank 2 is connected to the inlet of the first delivery pump 7, and the outlet of the first delivery pump 7 is connected to the second outlet pipe 23, the first pipeline 21, and the second pipeline 24 respectively.

[0113] The first delivery pump 7 is connected to the water outlet component 5 through the second water outlet pipe 23, so that the first delivery pump 7 can deliver water in the water tank 2 to the water outlet component 5. The second water outlet pipe 23 is connected in series with a second control valve 25 to control the opening and closing of the second water outlet pipe 23.

[0114] The first delivery pump 7 is connected to the hot tank 3 through the first pipeline 21, so that the first delivery pump 7 can deliver water from the clean water tank 2 to the hot tank 3. The hot tank 3 is connected to the water outlet component 5 through the first water outlet pipe 31. The first water outlet pipe 31 is connected in series with a first control valve 32 that controls the opening and closing of the first water outlet pipe 31.

[0115] The first delivery pump 7 is connected to the cold tank 4 through the second pipeline 24, so that the first delivery pump 7 can deliver water from the clean water tank 2 to the cold tank 4. The cold tank 4 is connected to the water outlet component 5 through the third water outlet pipe 41. The third water outlet pipe 41 is connected in series with a third control valve 42 that controls the opening and closing of the third water outlet pipe 41.

[0116] The first return water inlet of the water tank 2 is connected to the water outlet component 5 through the circulating cleaning pipe 22. In the normal use mode, the water outlet component 5 is in the first state, the circulating cleaning pipe 22 is disconnected and the water outlet is open. In the sterilization mode, the water outlet component 5 is in the second state, the circulating cleaning pipe 22 is connected and the water outlet is closed.

[0117] Control methods include: receiving sterilization commands;

[0118] The water purifier 100 is controlled to enter the sterilization mode. In the sterilization mode, the water purifier 100 is controlled to stop water output (i.e., the normal use mode is turned off). The water output component is controlled to be in the second state, so that the circulation cleaning pipe 22 is open, the water outlet is closed, the first control valve 32 is controlled to open, the second control valve 25 and the third control valve 42 are controlled to close, and the first delivery pump 7 is controlled to work to drive the purified water to flow in the first circulation loop.

[0119] After the first cycle loop runs for a first set time t1, the water purifier 100 is switched to the second cycle loop: first, the first delivery pump 7 is stopped, then the first control valve 32 is closed, then the second control valve 25 is opened, and then the first delivery pump 7 is started.

[0120] After the second circulation loop runs for the fourth set time t4, the water purifier 100 is switched to the third circulation loop: first, the first delivery pump 7 is stopped, then the second control valve 25 is closed, then the third control valve 42 is opened, and then the first delivery pump 7 is started.

[0121] After the third circulation loop runs for a set time t5, the water purifier 100 is switched back to the first circulation loop so that the water purifier 100 cycles between the first circulation loop, the second circulation loop and the third circulation loop. The process of switching the water purifier 100 back to the first circulation loop includes: first controlling the first delivery pump 7 to stop working, then controlling the third control valve 42 to close, then controlling the first control valve 32 to open, and then controlling the first delivery pump 7 to work.

[0122] After the temperature inside the cold tank 4 reaches the second set temperature of 70℃, the water purifier 100 is controlled to exit the sterilization mode, or after the total duration of the sterilization mode reaches the second set duration t2, the water purifier 100 is controlled to exit the sterilization mode. The second set duration t2 is 90 minutes.

[0123] After the water purifier 100 exits the sterilization mode, the water purifier 100 will dispense water and the heating element will stop working.

[0124] The water purifier 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a control module. The control module is configured to execute the control method in the above-described technical solution.

[0125] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the sterilization mode, the hot water in the heating tank 3 is discharged to the purified water tank 2 and circulates in the first circulation loop. The high temperature of the hot water sterilizes the purified water tank 2, the pipe between the heating tank 3 and the purified water tank 2, and the components connected in series in the pipe, thereby reducing bacteria in the water purifier 100 and improving the safety of the water purifier 100.

[0126] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a storage medium thereon stores a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the control method in the above-described technical solution.

[0127] For example, if a computer program, when executed by a processor, can implement the control methods described above, then the computer program can be considered an independent product, and it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Storage medium can refer to any entity or device capable of carrying computer program code, such as recording media, USB flash drives, portable hard drives, magnetic disks, optical disks, computer memory, read-only memory, random access memory, electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals, and software distribution media.

[0128] According to the storage medium of the present invention, when the computer program therein is executed by the processor, the hot water in the heating tank 3 can be discharged to the purified water tank 2 when the water purifier 100 is in sterilization mode, and circulates in the first circulation loop. The high temperature of the hot water sterilizes the purified water tank 2, the pipe between the heating tank 3 and the purified water tank 2, and the components connected in series in the pipe, thereby reducing bacteria in the water purifier 100 and improving the safety of the water purifier 100.

[0129] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0130] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A control method of a net drinking machine, characterized by, The water purifying machine comprises a water purifying tank, a hot tank and a heating component for heating the hot tank, and has a sterilization mode, the control method comprising: receiving a sterilization instruction; controlling the water purifying machine to enter the sterilization mode, controlling the water purifying machine to stop water output, and controlling a first circulation loop to be formed between the water purifying tank and the hot tank to discharge hot water in the hot tank to the water purifying tank; The water purifying machine comprises a water output component, the water purifying tank is connected with a first water inlet of the hot tank through a first pipeline, a first water return port of the water purifying tank is connected with the water output component through a circulating cleaning pipeline, and the hot tank is connected with the water output component through a first water outlet pipeline; the control method comprises: controlling the first pipeline, the first water outlet pipeline and the circulating cleaning pipeline to communicate to define the first circulation loop; The water purifying tank is connected with the water output component through a second water outlet pipeline, and the control method further comprises: controlling the water purifying machine to switch to a second circulation loop after the first circulation loop runs for a first set time, and the second circulation loop is that the second water outlet pipeline and the circulating cleaning pipeline are communicated.

2. The control method for a water purifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first water outlet pipeline is connected with a first control valve in series, the second water outlet pipeline is connected with a second control valve in series, and the control of the water purifying machine to switch to the second circulation loop comprises: controlling the first control valve to be closed and the second control valve to be opened.

3. The control method for a water purifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the operation of the water purifying machine in the first circulation loop, the control method further comprises: detecting the water temperature of the hot tank; controlling the operating state of the heating component to control the water temperature of the hot tank to be not lower than a first set temperature.

4. The control method for a water purifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control method further comprises: determining the sterilization duration of the water purifying machine entering the sterilization mode; determining that the sterilization duration reaches a second set duration, and controlling the water purifying machine to exit the sterilization mode.

5. The control method for a water purifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control method further comprises: controlling the water purifying machine to exit the sterilization mode, and controlling the water purifying machine to output water and the heating component to stop working.

6. The control method for a water purifier according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The water purifying machine further comprises a cold tank and a refrigeration assembly for refrigerating the cold tank, a water inlet of the cold tank is connected with the water purifying tank, and the control method further comprises: controlling the water purifying machine to enter the sterilization mode, and controlling the cold tank to be sterilized.

7. The control method for a water purifier according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control of the cold tank to be sterilized comprises: controlling the water purifying machine to switch to a third circulation loop after the first circulation loop runs for a third set time, and the third circulation loop is that a circulation loop is formed between the water purifying tank and the cold tank.

8. The control method for a water purifier according to claim 7, characterized in that, The water purifying machine comprises a water output component, the water purifying tank is connected with a second water inlet of the cold tank through a second pipeline, a first water return port of the water purifying tank is connected with the water output component through a circulating cleaning pipeline, and the cold tank is connected with the water output component through a third water outlet pipeline; the control method comprises: controlling the second pipeline, the third water outlet pipeline and the circulating cleaning pipeline to communicate to define the third circulation loop.

9. A water purification machine characterized by, The control module is configured to perform the control method according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. A storage medium having stored thereon a computer program, characterized in that The computer program, which is executed by a processor, implements the control method as claimed in any one of claims 1-8.

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